Some candies, especially older or more nostalgic ones, are overshadowed by the flashier, newer sweets of today. Some flavors just go out of style or aren't everyone's preference (looking at your, black licorice), but the trend these days seems to be very little flavor and mainly sugar. Obviously, candy is basically sugar, but there are some overlooked candies that deliver the punch of uniqueness and they deserve a comeback.
Although these aren't my absolute favorites, I would like to share my top 5 underrated candy choices. These are all still available for purchase today, though you might have to look hard to find them.
Butter Mints
Yes, they are still a staple at bridal showers and weddings today. But they deserve a place at these events, and in our hearts. Not only are they one of the only enjoyable reasons to attend a shower, they are actually very pleasant to chomp. Their softness means you can let them melt in your mouth, or eat them by the handful and not get tired of them. I've even been known to grab a bag for snacking! Bonus: minty fresh breath. But they may make you crave chicken salad on a croissant.
2. Reese's Pieces
A cousin to the original Reese's cups, which we all know and love (so long as we aren't allergic), these M&M-esque candies feel like eating chocolate, but without the chocolate! If you want an easily transportable, non-choco option, these are the way to go. They'd be superb in ice cream, cookies, or just in your hand! While they feel retro, surprisingly they weren't created until 1978, but gained enormous popularity when featured in the 1982 movie E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial. I mean, they are pretty out-of-this-world when mixed with popcorn.
3. Bottlecaps
I'm a fan of basically everything Wonka, but I'm not kidding when I say do NOT sleep on Bottlecaps! These are the ultimate substitution for those chalky Smarties everyone hates to get at Halloween, and even more flavorful than Sprees. They have unique flavors like cola and root beer, as well as old standbys orange, cherry, and grape. Plus, they're shaped like actual old bottlecaps. How could you not love them?
4. Necco wafers
These are so similar to Bottlecaps, but thinner, Yes, they have some great citrusy flavors (lemon, lime, and orange), but because they were originally created in 1847 (yes 1847!), they have some of those old-fashioned spice flavors as well. Pay attention, because their colors just don't make sense: There's cinnamon (white), wintergreen (pink? why?), clove (perfectly purple), chocolate (cocoa brown), and the polarizing licorice flavor (light grey - how unique for a candy).
5. Whoppers
The only truly chocolate option on the list, Whoppers are portable and relatively unmeltable. And they are the ultimate in movie theater candy! Those crispy malt centers are something that just can't be replicated, and I can imagine these being really popular with the 1950s bobby-soxer crowd, what with all the chocolate malts they would order. But have you ever gotten a Whoppers whose center was a bit chewy? Why do I love those so much?
Keep a lookout for these underrated candies next time you're in the mood for something sweet to keep at your desk. They might be difficult to find aside from ordering online, but you can probably find most of these at Cracker Barrell stores, if that's local to you.
Which candy do you think is overlooked and deserves some praise?
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